Fourth of July

American  

noun

1. Independence Day.

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Fourth of July British  

noun

1. Official name: Independence Day.  a holiday in the United States, traditionally celebrated with fireworks: the day of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776

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Fourth of July Cultural  

1. The day on which the Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Continental Congress in 1776; Independence Day.

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Etymology

Origin of Fourth of July

An Americanism dating back to 1770–80

Example Sentences

For many Americans, this Fourth of July, which marks the 250th anniversary of the country’s founding, feels less like a celebration than mourning.

From Salon • Jun. 30, 2026

Yes, Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence, which we celebrate on the Fourth of July.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 29, 2026

Trading will be abbreviated by a day in the week ahead, with markets closed on Friday, June 3, in observance of the Fourth of July holiday.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 28, 2026

As the Fourth of July holiday approaches and California heads deeper into fire season, Cal Fire is also reminding residents to use extreme caution when it comes to fireworks.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 26, 2026

At the Fourth of July celebration, the five suffragists squeezed into their seats in the press section as close to the front stage as possible.

From "Votes for Women!" by Winifred Conkling